Folate commitment will protect babies
Child health expert Professor Fiona Stanley has welcomed today's commitment by the State and Federal Food Regulation Ministers to proceed with mandatory fortification of food with folate as quickly as possible.
"I applaud the Ministers for their resolve to put the health of children first and commit to mandatory fortification. Their decision will ensure that many more women get enough folate to protect their babies from devastating neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida," Professor Stanley said.
"Mandatory fortification is a reality in more than 40 other countries including the United States and I think Australian families have a right to expect the same health benefits."
Professor Stanley, who is Director of The Kids for Child Health Research, commended the national leadership shown on the issue by WA Health Minister Jim McGinty and Parliamentary Secretary Sue Ellery.
She said a review by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand will look at the technical issues regarding implementation of mandatory fortification.
However, she said the review must conclude within the six month timetable set by the Ministers so implementation can begin.
"Every month that mandatory fortification of flour is delayed condemns more unborn babies to a life with a severe, but often preventable, birth defect," she said.
In 1989 the Medical Journal of Australia published Professor Stanley and Professor Carol Bower's scientific paper that proved the powerful effect of folate in reducing neural tube defects by up to 70%.
"We've known about the benefits of folate for 16 years, yet the combined impact of voluntary fortification and education campaigns have reduced the rates of NTDs by about 30%, which has been disappointing," Professor Stanley said.
"To be effective, folate intake must be increased before conception. Mandatory fortification will mean better protection for everyone, particularly vulnerable groups including the young, people in remote communities with less access to fresh fruit and vegetables, indigenous mothers, and for the 40% of women whose pregnancies were unplanned."
Professor Stanley said there is evidence from many studies that higher folate consumption may also lower the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancers.
"The cost saving of this initiative to the health system is estimated at $120-150 million each year. But even more important is saving families and children from the heartache that comes with the daily challenge of living with a severe disability."